Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-03-16
SOLDIERS GET PRIZES.
ANNUAL DRILL OF THE GERMAN
VOLUNTEERS.

Private Kuck Carries OF the Company
Medal for tho Fifth Time Priv tie
Reidemsn wInsthe Second Prize-The
Honors sharply Contested Pleasant
Words From Maj, schwsrz.
The annual prize drill Of the German
Volunteers took place last night at Tur-
ner's Hall 1t was one Of the most sharp
ly contested that the company has ever
held. After nearly three hours continu-
Gus drilling Private kuck stood alone on
the floor, the winner of the company's
gold medal. Private Reideman was the
last to drop out of line and won the silver
medal as the next best drilled man.
The contest was witnessed by the
friends of the Volunteers and a number
OF invited guests, The company was
drawn up in line on the west side of the
hall opposite the judges and spectators.
At the order "iall in" >twenty-four men
dropped into line. The company made
splendid appearance; its handsome uni
forms and polished arms and equipments
caught the attention OF everyone in the
hall. The drill began at $50 O'Clock and
lasted until nearly II. Capt. Derst was
in command and drilled the company
sharply for a quarter OF an hour.
The men dropped cut rapidly at first.
At the order ''parade resi-" they leaned
on their arms and wondered how long
they would be able 10 stand
The Judges w ere Major John Schwarz
and eX-Captains Marin, Helmken,
Henry Blum and CA. Fl. Umbach. After
brief rest the company was turned over
to Lieut.. Helmken and then to Lieut..
kolsborn. Under Lieut.. Helmken the
mum Der in line was reduced to twelve.
Six more dropped out under Lieut..
KOlshorD, and when Capt. Derst resumed
command there were but SIX left stand
ing. Ten minutes drilling retired two
more.
Sergeant Sch war; and Privates Reide-
man, Kuck and Haar were the only men
left. Lieut.. Helmken conducted the lat
ter part of the drhl. Private Haar was
the first OF the tour to retire. Sergeant
Schwarz came next, leaving Privates
Redemau and Kuck the winners of the
two medals. Itremained to be seen which
| Of the two was the better man. lttOok some
time to decide. Both are we'll drilled,
and it was hard fight between them.
Private Reideman finally dropped out,
leaving Private Kuck the winner. The
spectators clapped and cheer d.
The company was then ordered to "fall
in" The prize-winners stood side
by side. Private kuck was first
OfuOTSu 10 Lu6 ''iTOHL anu CSHbT6'' anu
was presented by Maj. Schwarz with the
| new company medal. 1t was recently
ordered by the company and is worn tor
the first time by Private
Kuck. 1t is solid gold badge,
handsomely designed, and pendant
| from bar and scroll. 1t ia not yet in
scrIhed, the inscription face being lett
blank until the medal was won. Private
Kuck wears the old company medal
which be has won in four consecutive
| drills. Prior to winning the company
| medal he held the company badge. He is
now medalist Of six years standing.
MAJOR Schwarz complimented the young
soldier upon his military knowledge and
skill, and pinned the medal on his
breast. Private Reideman was award
| ed the company badge and re-
tired TO his place in the ranks amid
cheers. Private Redeman is a popular
member OF the company, and many OF his
friends counted upon his winning the
| medal.
TIE presentation over, the company
marched to its armOry on Congress street
and deposited its arms, and then returned
to the hall and ''broke ranks" The
winners OF the prizes were quickly sur
rounded by their friends and cOngratula-
tions were showered upon them. The
| chairs were removed from the floor and
the remainder of the evening was spent
socially. A handsome supper was served
| and the Volunteers anG their friends
never had merrer time. The Union
| Cornet Band played during the drill and
! for the dance until the wee sma' hours.